Eight days after Tropical Storm Irene bore down upon Long Island, knocking out power to more than half a million customers, LIPA officials say they

LEVITTOWN - Eight days after Tropical Storm Irene bore down upon Long Island, knocking out power to more than half a million customers, LIPA officials say they have restored power to more than 99 percent of those affected.

LIPA officials say that as of 10 p.m., about 2,000 homes remain in the dark.

For residents who have remained in the dark, they say their patience is wearing thin.